Barca U-turn gives Arsenal unexpected transfer boost

Stuart Telford

• 1 Apr 2023 15:37 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are willing to sell Raphinha out from under Xavi's feet, with Arsenal given a rare opportunity to sign the winger they missed out on last summer.

Arsenal tried to sign Raphinha from Leeds last summer, but once Barca expressed their interest, the Brazilian only had eyes for them - having also discussed terms with Chelsea.

But his impact at Camp Nou has been debatable. While nine goals and nine assists from 38 games are not to be sniffed at, some at the club expected more after their €58m outlay.

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Barca have also been told to reduce their debt by €200m if they are to take part in La Liga next season, and the board are reportedly willing to cash in on the winger, even though Xavi rates him.

Raphinha for sale

"The Gunners are long-term admirers of the 26-year-old Brazilian and are aware that he could be put up for sale at the end of the season," report Football Insider.

"It is understood [Barcelona] would want to at least make their money back on their investment should he be sold this summer."

READ: Barcelona could be relegated confirms La Liga president Javier Tebas

Raphinha is valued at €48.2m by FootballTransfers in-house algorithm and Barca will be optimistic of achieving that amount with Chelsea's ongoing interest making it difficult for Arsenal to lowball them.

Raphinha may be a left-footed winger who prefers lining up on the right much like Arsenal's star player Bukayo Saka, but behind the England international, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, Mikel Arteta still has room to complete his stable of wide attackers.

Xavi would be disappointed to see him leave, describing him as "the future of Barcelona," in February.

"He's a criticised player, but he does a lot and we value him a lot," he said. "We will always support Raphinha - he's the future of Barcelona."